EXCLUSIVE: Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has given his thoughts on Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, with the pair just showing signs that they're finding their feet at Liverpool
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool celebrates with Alexander Isak after scoring their second goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on November 08, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens - AMA/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak were both on the scoresheet as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola has been told he has nothing to worry about with Alexander Isak – although Liverpool still needs more from Florian Wirtz, according to one pundit.
The pair have shown signs recently that they’re beginning to find their feet with the Reds following a difficult first year after their big-money moves. Both were on the scoresheet in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, which has left Liverpool in a healthy position after Iraola’s first 10 league games in charge.
Isak in particular has enjoyed a reversal in fortunes. Having endured an injury-ravaged first campaign which only yielded four goals, the striker has already doubled his tally this season with eight goals from 14 appearances across all competitions.
READ MORE: Liverpool told Florian Wirtz has been unlocked by one player as Andoni Iraola faces 'dilemma'
Iraola, though, still wants more from the Swedish international. While the Liverpool boss is happy with the goals Isak is providing, he feels there should be more to his game.
"Everyone trusts that if he moves into good positions, he will score goals,” Iraola said of Isak last month.
“But I always tell him he has to help us so we can give you the chances, and I think he understands that necessity. I hope that can continue at the same level."
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Andoni Iraola manager / head coach of Liverpool with Alexander Isak of Liverpool after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Liverpool FC at Gtech Community Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola still wants to see more from Alexander Isak(Image: Getty Images)
Despite Iraola’s concerns on Isak’s all-round game, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith doesn’t see any issue.
Asked whether it is a problem if the 27-year-old didn’t offer much else but his goals in games, Smith told Liverpool.com: “Not really, no. [Erling] Haaland does it every season, really. He doesn't play much part in the build-up quite often, but he knows where to be in the box.
“So it's a much different kind of physical build, but similar in terms of being a poacher in the box, getting the head to the ball, drifting between defenders. And they've got enough players behind him that can get involved.
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“I've always loved Alexander Isak; he's a really smooth kind of competitor, so I don't see that as a problem.”
While Smith sees no problem with Isak’s output, he still wants to see more from Wirtz.
There has been a lot of scrutiny of the German international’s performances after a disappointing first year following his move from Bayer Leverkusen, and he started this season in somewhat underwhelming fashion, leading to calls for him to be dropped by Iraola.
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on November 08, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens - AMA/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz has shown more promising signs recently after a tough first year at Liverpool(Image: Steve Bardens - AMA/Getty Images)
Wirtz though has shown more positive signs of late, having made four goal contributions in his last four league games, including a goal and assist at Selhurst Park at the weekend. Smith though feels there still some way to go before the 23-year-old can be satisfied.
“I think somebody who plays in that position, he's got to be scoring,” he said. “So that was his first league goal, and he needs a good few. I always think with a number 10, you've got to get him into double figures, really. He's got a way to go to achieve that.
“But maybe, yeah, he's settling in a bit. As you said, he got the assist as well, so he's having a bigger influence on games. We'll watch this space, see if he can push on now.”